David Edward Kelley (born April 4, 1956) is an American television writer, producer, and former attorney. He has created/produced numerous television series including Doogie Howser, M.D., Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice and its spin-off Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Goliath, Big Little Lies, and Big Sky.
Kelley is among the few screenwriters to have created shows airing on all four top American networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) as well as on HBO.
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David E. Kelley Net Worth
David E. Kelley has a net worth of $250 million. In 1986, Steven Bochco was searching for writers with a law background for his new NBC legal series L.A. Law. His agent sent him Kelley’s script From the Hip.
Impressed, Bochco hired him as a writer and story editor. During the first year, Kelley kept his Boston law office as a hedge, but his involvement grew. By the second year, he was fully committed, marking the start of his television career.
Early Life
David Edward Kelley was born April 4, 1956, in Waterville, Maine, raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, and attended the Belmont Hill School. His father, Jack Kelley, is a United States Ice Hockey Hall of Fame member.
Kelley served as a stick boy for the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association in their 1972–1973 inaugural season when his father coached the team. He later became captain of the Princeton Tigers men’s ice hockey team and graduated in 1979 from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Career
In 1986, Steven Bochco sought writers with a law background for his new NBC legal series L.A. Law. His agent sent him David E. Kelley’s script From the Hip. Impressed, Bochco hired him as a writer and story editor.
During the first year, Kelley kept his Boston law office as a hedge, but his role expanded. In the second year, he became executive story editor and co-producer. By 1989, when Bochco stepped away from the series, Kelley had firmly established himself.
Personal life
Although sometimes assumed to be a Catholic because his programs address Catholic issues, David E. Kelley was raised a Protestant. In January 1993, Kelley was set up on a blind date with actress Michelle Pfeiffer.
The following week, he took her to see Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and they soon began dating seriously.
What has David E. Kelley produced?
David E. Kelley’s production repertoire is vast, including “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Big Little Lies,” “Love & Death,” “Big Sky,” “Mr. Mercedes,” “The Undoing,” “Boston Legal,” and even contributions to “Days of Our Lives.” These productions not only highlight Kelley’s versatility but also his ability to continually produce compelling content that captivates audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
David E. Kelley’s journey from a legal professional to a titan of television is a narrative of creativity, perseverance, and innovation. With a net worth reflecting his monumental contribution to the entertainment industry, Kelley’s legacy is not just in the wealth he has amassed but in the stories he has told and the lives he has touched through his work. As Kelley continues to create and produce, his influence on prime-time television endures, solidifying his place as a true icon of American television.
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FAQs about David E. Kelley
- How did David E. Kelley begin his career in television? Kelley’s television career began after his screenplay, “From the Hip,” caught Steven Bochco’s attention, leading to a writing position on “L.A. Law.”
- What are some of David E. Kelley’s most acclaimed shows? Kelley is known for “Picket Fences,” “The Practice,” “Boston Legal,” and “Big Little Lies,” among others.
- Has David E. Kelley won any major awards for his work? Yes, Kelley has won 11 Emmy Awards and 4 Peabody Awards, acknowledging his contributions to television.
- What is David E. Kelley’s educational background? Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Princeton University and a Juris Doctor from Boston University Law School.
- What distinguishes David E. Kelley’s shows? Kelley’s shows are distinguished by their blend of legal drama, quirky humor, and deep exploration of moral and ethical issues, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
